Eights 1931Eights 1931
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passing the College Barges — Fine weather again favoured the Oxford Eights yesterday, when a number of bumps were made in the four divisions. Our photograph shows the scene as crews in the Third Division were passing the College barges. Altogether four bumps were recorded in this division. The races continue until Wednesday.Judging by the Saturday commentary on this division, I would guess that the two crews shown are University II about to bump Christ Church II
The practice for Summer Eights this year has been carried out un unusually unpleasant weather. Scarcely a calm day has been experienced since the start, and in view of the shortness of the period for training for these races it is not surprising that the crews are not so well together as usual. There are more crews of reasonable merit than for many years, but none outstanding. It is not that Oxford is short of good individual oarsmen to the extent she has been in so many recent years, but just that true combination and that bit of luck which are essential to a really fast college crew have been lacking.It is interesting that little headway has been made by unorthodox rowing. Balliol are supposed to row in the style of the London Rowing Club, but as they use fixed rowlocks and none of them is sliding more than 17in. it is hard to see where the unorthodoxy lies. Oriel are rowing in the style associated with Mr. Fairbairn's name, and a good crew they are in this style. Otherwise Oxford rowing remains true to tradition and is apparently thriving on it, for if the period of training had been favoured with better weather and sickness had not intervened there might have been three first-class crews — Brasenose, University College, and Balliol. Brasenose were unlucky to lose the services of Poole at No. 7 for several days with a dislocated knee, University College have had to row without Martineau at stroke, and Balliol likewise have been without their rightful stroke, Milne-Watson.
The impression given by the crews is that there is greater keenness than for several years past and that particular pains have been taken with the coaching. Among the First and Second Division crews there is evidence of good grounding if not polish. Sliding is fair, blade entry is better than for many years, and most of the crews are hard working.
There has been for two years now great rivalry between Brasenose and University College for the Head of the River, and this year it is in no way lessened, for Tinné, who has brought his college crew up so far, is now in his last year, as is the heavy-weight Dutton at No. 6, a most useful man for a college crew. He may not be quick enough for a place in the University boat, but the strength and keenness he brings to a college crew make him a more outstanding asset than many a cleverer oarsman. The Brasenose crew, which has made rapid progress in the last part of the practice, after an unpromising start, is stroked, not by Holdsworth, the University stroke, who is rowing at No. 4, but by Kent, son of Mr. C. W. Kent, one of the most famous of Oxford strokes. He may not reflect his father's prowess, but he is a promising stroke. There is a compactness about his work and a firm drive from the stretcher, which Holdsworth lacks, and Oxford owes Mr. Haig Thomas much for this discovery. Behind him is a block of four Blues, Poole at No. 7, Johnston at No. 6, Smith at No. 5, and Holdsworth. Of these the outstanding man is Smith, who is rowing extraordinarily well and neatly. Johnston, the President, is plainly stale and getting tied up at the finish, while Poole is not yet at his best again since his mishap. For all that, the crew are reasonably well together. They look, too, as if they would improve as the races go on. At the beginning of practice it seemed certain that they would lose their position, but now they are the fastest crew over the course, and it will be surprsing if University College catch them.
In the absence of Martineau, University College are stroked by Tinné. Freeman, who was tried at bow in the University crew, rows at No. 7, Dutton No. 6, and Emmet, and old Trial Eights man, at No.5. Tinné gives them beautiful rhythm when paddling, with a fine hard finish, so rare a sight in Oxford. When rowing, however, he is inclined to rush his men. They command a higher rate of striking than most crews, and Tinné is always most dangerous in bumping races where a lack of rhythm matters least. If University College should bump Brasenose it will be by surprising them before the Gut, for they have not the same pace over the last part of the course as the crew which starts Head of the River.
New College, which starts third, is rowing with 12ft. 6in. oars, and this naturally tends to diminish the rate of striking. The crew is well stroked by Godber, the former Blue of 1928 and 1929, and Macdonald-Smith is rowing No. 4. On account of the crew's good rhythm it appears to be rowing a slower stroke than is the case, and it possesses considerable pace over the last part of the course, which would be greater still were the men better together. Usually Dr. Bourne's crews are most well together, but this is an exception, and it appears doubtful whether it will have quite enough pace to trouble University College over the last part of the course; while it will itself be in some danger from the quick starting of the Christ Church crew.
Christ Church give the impression of two fours, one powerful and heavy in the stern of the boat and the other light in the bows. It is long since an oarsman so accomplished and effective as H. R. A. Edwards has rowed in an Oxford college crew, and it is an interesting commentary on styles that his rowing with a swivel rowlock alone in the crew would be noticed by anybody unaware of it. Clive is stroking. That is a good arrangement, which recalls the stroking of Merton crews by D. T. Raikes. Erskine-Crum is rowing No. 7 much better than he was in the University crew, though still with a tendency to feather under water at the finish, and Lord Forrester, an Eton Eights man, is a powerful if round-backed No. 6. Unfortunately he copies Clive's trick of throwing his head back, but does not reproduce so closely Clive's tremendous driver with his legs. This should be a fast crew, but since it cannot maintain its pace for much more than two minutes, like University College it will be most dangerous below the Gut. If driving power in a stroke and a good No. 5 were everything they would go to the top, but lack of rhythm prevents them from being fast over the whole of the course for all Clive's courage and driving power.
Mr. Pazott [Pazolt?] has again done wonders with the light Pembroke crew, stroked by Mellor. They are probably the fastest crew after Brasenose, and their quickness and stride are an example to all. Having seen what Mr. Pazott can do with exceptionally light crews from Beaumont and Pembroke it may be wondered whether he might not produce a crew like the Cambridge crew of 1924 if he were given such material as the University coaches have.
Neither Exeter nor Wadham is impressive, and Exeter men may well hanker after those swivel rowlocks which brought them such success two years ago.
Magdalen is a neat crew with a fair turn of speed. It has been well coached by Mr. McCulloch and there is every probability that it will finish in a position more in keeping with the rowing record of the college during the last 40 years. The Magdalen second crew, too, is certainly the fastest of the second crews, so that the eclipse of the college looks like being short lived. At the same time, the first crew must be prepared for a strenuous race if it is to keep away from Balliol. Platt-Mills is rowing excellently at No. 6 and Waterhouse's form at No. 5 is beyond criticism, but he looks as if his health, which prevented his rowing in the last Boat Race, were again troubling him. Worcester is another crew which rows in good form and is, like Mr. Drinkwater's other crew, University College, quicker into the water than most.
Oriel are not likely to remain in the Second Division. Of the other crews Queen's have done fast times in practice, and though they have little pretension to good form, should improve their position.
Order of Starting
The entry is the largest which has ever been received. There will be 51 crews and for the first time in the history of the Eights one college, Brasenose, will be represented by four crews. Oriel, Balliol, and Pembroke each have three. Brasenose start head of the river, a position they have held since 1928. The Fourth Division, in which there are 15 crews, row first, starting at 3 o'clock. The order of starting is :— [...]
Brasenose not likely to be Deposed — 51 Crews RacingThe Eights commence at Oxford tomorrow [sic] afternoon, and will continue until next Wednesday. Conditions for the practice of the crews have been very unpleasant throughout the term, for there have been scarcely a couple of calm days, and for the last few days there has been a strong stream running.
Consequently the quality is not very high, but this is to some extent made good by the quantity of crews that are entered. Last year forty-seven crews raced, but this week, although University have taken off their third boat, no fewer than fifty-one boats will race, including, at the bottom of the river, a fourth entry from B.N.C..
The great number of second and third boats that are put on nowadays has been encouraged by the admission for one team [sic, presumably 'term'] only of temporary members of the O.U.B.C., and this has led to the inclusion of a large number of footballers and others who are otherwise occupied in the winter terms.
Head of the River Crew
Considering the fact that Brasenose have appropriated to themselves four of last spring's Blues, the level of the First Division appears to be much more uniform than usual. One would have expected them to be far and away the best crew on the river. This, though I do not think there is any great chance of their being deposed, they are certainly not at the time of writing, but it is probable that they will improve considerably during the races, and by next Wednesday their superiority may be more definite.
Although in Holdsworth they possess the University stroke, he is not leading the crew. The stroke thwart is being taken by the son [J. R. Kent] of the famous old Brasenose stroke, C. W. Kent, who kept his boat head of the river forty years ago, when every critic prophesied its downfall, by his consummate power of rowing a high rate of stroke without losing his length. His son has yet to prove himself, but he certainly possesses many of the attributes of a stroke, and in the last few days has improved his rhythm considerably.
With Poole at seven, C. M. Johnston, the new President of the O.U.B.C., at six, Gordon Smith at five, and Holdsworth at 4, he has no lack of sound backing behind him, and, moreover, the men in the bows are physically stronger than were those last year. Coached by Mr. MacCulloch and Mr. Haig-Thomas, they should have shown great promise all through, but a fortnight ago they were sluggish and rhythmless.
Rapid Improvement
Then Poole was kept out of the boat for five days owing to water on the knee, and their prospects began to look definitely bad. Since Poole came back, however, a week ago, they have improved very fast and are now probably the fastest crew on the river over the whole course.
University, who start second, can, at their best, be very fast off the mark. Had they not missed their great chance of going head last year, when they were full of Blues, they would undoubtedly have been difficult to catch, but going head and starting head are two very different things, and after the Gut I do not think they will be able to hold any early advantage they may gain.
Derek Finne [sic, presumably Tinné], their only Blue, is stroking them, and is rowing better than ever before; behind him he has trial eights men in Freeman, Dutton and Emmett, but behind his brother [C Tinne], who is rowing four, the material is neither experienced nor physically strong.
New College follow third. Last year they were expected to go down several places, but only fell one. Stroked by Godber, the Blue of '28 and '29, and coached by Dr. Bourne, they have improved considerably, and are, I think, much better than they were twelve months ago.
Pembroke unknown Factors
Christ Church, though they are stroked by Lewis Clive, with Crum and H. R. A. Edwards behind him, are not as fast as they ought to be, even though the London oarsman is rowing with a swivel rowlock all to himself. Pembroke, who start fifth, are unknown factors. They claim some fast times in a slow year, but I see no reason why there should be any change in the first five boats unless one of the crews shows unexpected racing capacity, or University, in desperate efforts to catch the head boat, fail at the end of the course.
Exeter look like going down several places, but have improved very much under the coaching of Mr. F. S. Lowe, the old LondonR.C. captain. Wadham, who were rough but fast, have met with serious misfortune in the loss of their four and the wrecking of their boat on Tuesday, which has deprived them of sorely-needed practice in a new order. This may make it possible for Magdalen to catch them, a feat improbable at the end of last week.
Balliol, who are rowing in the London style, sit their boat perfectly, and with Platts-Mills and Waterhouse at six and five should be fast, but their superiority to any of the crews above them is by no means marked.
Trinity's Speed
Worcester have four of the crew who raced so well in the Thames Cup at Henley. They have come on a lot and should improve during races. Trinity have a turn of speed and may catch Lincoln tomorrow, but no one can forecast any bumps in the First Division with certainty.
Coming to the Second Division, Oriel who are the best exponents of the Fairbairn style I have yet seen at Oxford, ought to make some bumps, but with the failure of Exeter in one's mind a few years ago, it may be that they will not go very far, for the course is too short for the Jesus style. When they get into the First Division, rowing at the bottom of it, they will have further to go than their fore-runners. Queen's ought certainly to improve their position, whilst I feel equally sure that Keble will go down, though their second boat should meet with success. [Order of starting follows]
The Opening DayAfter the rains that have prevailed of late the Summer Eights, which were begun at Oxford yesterday, were fortunate in the weather, as it was beautifully fine. The only drawback was a keen east wind from which the onlookers on the barges were sheltered. There was a good flow of water in the river, and the crews had to come up against a stronger stream than is usually encountered in the summer races. There was a record entry of 51 crews and Brasenose marked the occasion by putting on a fourth crew. Christ Church, Balliol, Magdalen, and Pembroke were all represented by three, with the result that no fewer than 15 crews competed in the Fourth Division.
Brasenose started Head of the River, a position which they attained in 1928, and as they included no fewer than four old Blues in their crew — the President, C. M. Johnston, J. A. L. Poole, G. M. L. Smith, and R. W. G. Holdsworth — it appeared hardly likely that they would suffer defeat at the hands of University College, who gave them some hard races in last year's Eights. The result, so far, as the head boat was concerned, turned out according to anticipation, as Brasenose held their own without effort and finally passed the post about three lengths to the good. So far as the first half-dozen boats in the First Division were concerned they formed a procession, as University College in turn kept well away from New College and the others followed at wide intervals. Wadham, however, found Magdalen, who had the reputation of being very fast, much too good for them, and Lincoln fell early victims to Trinity, although Oriel wrested the headship of the Second Division without any great difficulty. But when they rowed a second time they quite failed in their effort to overhaul Trinity, who got out of any possible danger by bumping Lincoln.
The finest race of the day was provided by Corpus, Keble, and St. Edmund Hall. Corpus, after being in great danger of being caught by Keble, made a splendid recovery, but the early efforts of the latter told on them when it came to a finish, and they only just managed to keep clear of St. Edmund Hall, who made a splendid, but unsuccessful, bid for victory. St. Peter's Hall added to their reputation with bumps in both the Third and Fourth Divisions, and the probability is that they will claim further victims before the racing is concluded.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Corpus II, St. Peter's Hall, Queen's II, Keble II, Hertford II, St. Catherine's II, Oriel III, Christ Church III, Jesus II, Magdalen III, Merton II, Balliol III, Brasenose III, Pembroke III, Brasenose IV. St. Peter's Hall got smartly off the mark and half-way up Iffley Reach had gained fully a length on Corpus II. They steadily drew closer, and at last made a bump coming through the Gut. Queen's II made slow headway against Keble II and were caught at the Free Ferry, and nearby Hertford II fell to St. Catherine's II. Christ Church III gained a lot on Oriel III as far as the Willows, but failed to overtake them, and Oriel, getting away again, finished their starting distance ahead. Towards the finish Christ Church III lost ground to Jesus II, who got within a length. Magdalen III came in a long way behind Jesus, but Merton II were bumped by Balliol III half-way up Iffley Reach. Brasenose III led Pembroke III by 150 yards, and half that distance separated Pembroke from Brasenose IV.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, Christ Church II, University College II, Lincoln II, Worcester II, Oriel II, Exeter II, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Trinity II, Pembroke II, St. Peter's Hall. A fine race was rowed all the way up between the two leading crews. Balliol II got within half a length of Hertford at the Boat House, but Hertford drew away under the Wall, and although Balliol made another determined effort on passing the Cherwell, they were wide, and Hertford just got home with three or four yards to spare. Christ Church II gained a little on Balliol, but did not get close enough to cause Balliol any anxiety. More than a length separated them at the finish. About the same distance separated Christ Church from University College II. Worcester II soon had the measure of Lincoln II and made a bump near the Weirs Bridge. Exeter II, after keeping clear of Brasenose II, caught a crab coming out of the Gut and were bumped at the commencement of the Green Bank. St. John's II and Trinity II rowed up some distance apart, but St. Peter's Hall, who had come up from the Fourth Division, promptly accounted for Pembroke II by bumping them at Haystack Corner.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Merton, Oriel, St. John's, Magdalen II, Queen's, St. Catherine's, New College II, Jesus, Corpus, Keble, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, Hertford. Oriel soon began to gain on Merton, and after being within a length at the Ferry made a bump at the Long Bridges. St. John's paddled up, for Magdalen II were easily caught by Queen's just before reaching the Free Ferry. St. Catherine's came through alone. New College were unable to escape from Jesus, who were overlapping at the Launch Works and finally made a bump just before entering the Gut. The next three boats had a most interesting race. Keble, intent on escaping from St. Edmund Hall, made a great effort to overhaul Corpus and at one time were little more than a canvas behind. Then, with St. Edmund Hall dangerously near, Corpus made a good effort along the Green Bank and from that point held their own, but Keble, in the meantime, were steadily losing ground to St. Edmund Hall, who made a brilliant but unsuccesful spurt after passing the Cherwell. Keble just got home safely not more than a foot ahead at the finish. Wadham II followed a long way in front of Hertford.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Brasenose, University College, New College, Christ Church, Pembroke, Exeter, Wadham, Magdalen, Balliol, Worcester, Lincoln, Trinity, Oriel. Brasenose came away from the start, and rowing well within themselves held University College from start to finish. Nearly three lengths separated them at the finish. New College followed two lengths in the rear of University College, and well away from Christ Church, who had Pembroke pressing them at the Boat House, but Pembroke fell away again along the Wall and were a length behind at the finish, and two lengths in front of Exeter. Wadham fell to Magdalen just before reaching the Green Bank. Balliol came in a length and a half in front of Worcester, and Lincoln were caught by Trinity in the Gut.
Twelve Bumps on First DayThe Oxford University Summer Eights started at Oxford yesterday with the largest entry on record, fifty-one crews competing against forty-six last year. Twelve bumps were recorded.
Oriel, Magdalen, Christ Church, Balliol and Pembroke were each of them represented by three crews, and Brasenose by four. Brasenose who have held the position for four years, started head of the river, their crew including four Blues — the University President, E. M. Johnston, G. M. L. Smith, R. A. J. Poole, and R. W. Holdsworth. A keen east wind detracted from the enjoyment of the many spectators and the crews also had to contend against an unusually strong stream.
In the First Division Brasenose rowed over a head of the river, finishing three lengths ahead of University. Wadham were bumped by Magdalen at the Green Bank, and Lincoln were caught by Trinity in the Gut.
Oriel, after being within a length of Merton at the Ferry, in the Second Division, made their bump at Long Bridges; Magdalen II fell easy victims to Queen's at Free Ferry and St. Catherine's paddled up, New College II being overhauled by Jesus, who, after overlapping at the launch works, made their bump at the Ferry. Keble, pressed by St. Edmund Hall, made a great effort to overhaul Corpus, and at one time were within half a length.
Corpus, however, put in a good effort along the Green Bank and recovered a lot of ground. Meanwhile St. Edmund Hall put in a fine sprint at the Cherwell and only failed to make their bump by a foot or so. Bumps are shown by brackets in the following table: [...]
The Second DayWith a rainfall of half an inch during the early morning the prospects for the Summer Eights were not very promising yesterday, but the weather improved after luncheon and the afternoon was fine with spells of delightful sunshine. The stream was running in greater force, but there was little wind and it had veered round to a more genial quarter. More spectators were present than on the opening day, and those on the barges were treated to one or two interesting races.
Brasenose held their own at the head of the river without distressing themselves, but University College rowed better than on the previous night and finished less than two lengths behind. Christ Church also showed improved form, due possibly to the fact that they had made a change at No. 3 and brought in a member of their second crew. The first batch of boats, however, all finished well away from each other, and now that Magdalen have caught Exeter there may be no further changes among them. Wadham again went down and may provide Worcester with a victim to-day, although Worcester had to row all out to keep clear of Trinity. Oriel got out of the Second Division by catching Lincoln, and Trinity may have to row their hardest to escape them to-night.
The three lower divisions each produced four bumps, and in the Second St. Edmund Hall, improving on their performance of the previous afternoon, succeeded in overhauling Keble before half the course had been covered. St. Peter's Hall had another success by bumping Trinity II early, and they look like ending well up in the Third Division, as they are a pretty powerful crew.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Pembroke II, Corpus II, Keble II, Queen's II, St. Catherine's II, Hertford II, Oriel III, Christ Church III, Jesus II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Merton II, Brasenose III, Pembroke III, Brasenose IV. Pembroke II paddled over. Corpus II were bumped by Keble II coming through the Gut. Queen's II and St. Catherine's II had an exciting race all the way up. St. Catherine's gained a lot of ground up Iffley Reach, but leaving the Gut they went very wide, and Queen's recovered and drew away. St. Catherine's drew up again along the Green Bank and almost overlapped, but Queen's got away again and were a quarter of a length to the good at the Boat House. St. Catherine's once more gained on them, and a tremendous struggle was seen along the Wall. Both crews stuck to it with grim determination, and at last St. Catherine's succeeded in making a bump opposite the old University barge. Oriel III at once began to draw up on Hertford II and caught them near the Free Ferry, leaving Christ Church III to paddle through. Magdalen III, after an excellent start, soon had the measure of Jesus II, whom they bumped at the Free Water Stone. Brasenose III overtook Merton II coming through the Gut.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, Christ Church II, University College II, Worcester II, Lincoln II, Oriel II, Brasenose II, Exeter II, St. John's II, Trinity II, St. Peter's Hall, Pembroke II. A good race was seen for the head of the division. Balliol II, who gained ground in Iffley Reach, were within a length of Hertford as the boats came out of the Gut. At the Boat House there was half a length between them, but Hertford stuck to it well, and resisting another determined challenge from Balliol at the Cherwell, they reached home with a quarter of a length in hand. University College II steadily drew up on Christ Church II after leaving the Gut, and a quarter of a length separated them at the Boat House. University College made a fine spurt along the Wall, and Christ Church were unable to keep ahead, and they were bumped just before reaching the Cherwell. Lincoln II were hotly pressed by Oriel II coming through the Gut, and, although they were overlapping at the Green Bank Oriel did not succeed in making a bump until the end of the Willows. Exeter II failed to withstand a fine spurt by St. John's II at the end of Iffley Reach, and were bumped at the Free Water Stone. St. Peter's Hall outrowed Trinity II from the start, and made a bump soon after passing Haystack Corner.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, Merton, St. John's, Queen's, Magdalen II, St. Catherine's, Jesus, New College II, Corpus, Keble, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, Hertford. Oriel kept at the head of the Division without an effort, finishing 2½ lengths ahead of Merton, who had a hard struggle with St. John's in the early part of the race. St. John's were being hard pressed by Queen's, and went all out to catch Merton. They tried too early, however, coming out of the Gut, and Queen's, taking advantage of their opportunity drew up before they could get into line again, and St. John's were bumped opposite the Long Bridges. Magdalen II came through. St. Catherine's were bumped by Jesus. There was a good gap between them at the Boat House, but something went wrong with the stroke in the St. Catherine's boat, and they were bumped at Talboys' barge. Corpus caught New College II coming through the Gut, and St. Edmund Hall, improving on their performance of the previous afternoon, caught Keble at the commencement of the Green Bank.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Brasenose, University College, New College, Christ Church, Pembroke, Exeter, Magdalen, Wadham, Balliol, Worcester, Trinity, Lincoln, Oriel. Brasenose kept their place at the head of the river without difficulty and finished a good length and a half in front of University College, who were the same distance in front of New College. New College lost ground to Christ Church, but had a length in hand at the finish, and twice that distance separated Christ Church from Pembroke. Exeter gave Magdalen a good race until coming out of the Gut, when Magdalen drew up rapidly and made a bump at the Willows. It was much the same with Wadham and Balliol, for Balliol gained rapidly after leaving the Gut and Wadham had to give in half way along the Green Bank. Trinity made Worcester go all the way, but Worcester were never in serious danger and had three-quarters of a length to spare at the finish. Lincoln were no match for Oriel, who compelled them to strike their colours soon after coming out of the Gut.
The second day's racing in the Oxford University Summer Eights produced sixteen bumps. Four were registered in the second division, in which St. John's, after missing Merton in the Gut, lost a lot of ground, and were caught by Queen's at the Long Bridges. Jesus bumped St. Catherine's opposite the New College barge, the St. Catherine's stroke getting his oar fixed. Corpus caught New College II at the Free Water Stone, and St. Edmund Hall overtook Keble coming out of the Gut.Brasenose again easily held their position at the head of the river, and Christ Church, with a new No. 3, made a much better show against Pembroke. Magdalen caught Exeter along the Willows, Wadham were bumped by Balliol along Green Bank, and Lincoln fell to Oriel at the Long Bridges. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
Some Close RacesThe third day's racing in the Summer Eights on Saturday was spoilt by the weather, as rain fell steadily throughout the afternoon. It was surprising therefore to find such a large attendance and those who were on the towing path and the college barges were rewarded by seeing some interesting rowing. In several cases the result was in doubt until the boats had reached the winning post.
The head boat, Brasenose, kept their place in front of University College without going all out, but University College had to row hard to escape from New College, and they in turn were hard pressed by the much improved Christ Church crew, who were within a quarter of a length at the finish. Magdalen continued their upward career at the expense of Pembroke and may cause Christ Church some anxiety as they are undoubtedly very fast. The rest over the week-end may make some difference in the placings in the First Division to-day, as Trinity nearly caught Worcester and were themselves hard pressed by Oriel.
Queen's continued their upward career unchecked and St. Peter's Hall and Keble II also increased their winning sequence, but St. Catherine's II just failed to do so when Corpus II got home by the narrowest of margins.
There were two unfortunate occurrences in the lower divisions. Balliol III, after bumping Jesus II, swung across the river and blocked the following boats, and whether one or any of them is entitled to a bump will be decided by the Boat Club, who will also have to adjudicate on a disputed bumps between Brasenose II and Lincoln II. Brasenose II claim that they bumped Lincoln before being bumped by St. John's II, but the Lincoln cox failed to acknowledge the bump.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Pembroke II, Keble II, Corpus II, St. Catherine's II, Queen's II, Oriel III, Hertford II, Christ Church III, Magdalen III, Jesus II, Balliol III, Brasenose III, Merton II, Pembroke III, Brasenose IV. Keble II soon gained ground on Pembroke II, who were well ahead by the Weirs Bridge, but in spite of plucky efforts they were bumped in the Gut. A good race was seen between St. Catherine's II and Corpus II. St. Catherine's gradually drew up until a length separated them. Determined efforts by St. Catherine's II failed, and Corpus got home with a foot to spare. Oriel III continued their run of sucesses by bumping Queen's II along the Willows. Hertford II failed to escape from Christ Church III, who bumped them in the Gut. Balliol III bumped Jesus II at the Free Water Stone, and, failing to get into the bank, prevented the progress of the remaining crews.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, University College II, Christ Church II, Worcester II, Oriel II, Lincoln II, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Exeter II, St. Peter's Hall, Trinity II, Keble II. The race for the head of the division was an exciting struggle. Balliol II, who were chasing Hertford II hard, were in turn hard pressed by University College II. Hertford, however, stuck to their task with great determination and got home with two yards to spare. University College failed to catch Balliol by half that distance. Worcester II had a worrying time to escape Oriel II, but they hung on grimly and escaped by a third of a length. Another fine race was that between Lincoln II, Brasenose II, and St. John's II. Lincoln were overlapped by Brasenose at one point and St. John's came up and bumped Brasenose, who subsequently claimed to have bumped Lincoln first. St. Peter's Hall made their fourth bump in three days at the expense of Exeter II at the Free Water Stone, and Keble II overtook Trinity II by the Weirs Bridge, also making their fourth bump in three days.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Lincoln, Merton, Queen's, St. John's, Magdalen II, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Corpus, New College II, St. Edmund Hall, Keble, Wadham II, Hertford. Lincoln had no difficulty in retaining the head of the division, but Merton fell to Queen's coming out of the Gut. Magdalen II pressed St. John's all the way and St. John's got home with just a quarter of a length in hand. St. Edmund Hall soon had New College II in difficulties and made a bump at the Free Water Stone. The other boats finished at wide intervals.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Brasenose, University College, New College, Christ Church, Pembroke, Magdalen, Exeter, Balliol, Wadham, Worcester, Trinity, Oriel, Lincoln. Brasenose again had an easy task and finished two lengths in front of University College, who, however, lost ground to New College, and had only three-quarters of a length in hand at the finish. Magdalen quickly gained on Pembroke, and after getting through the Gut made their bump along the Willows. A good race between Exeter and Balliol ended with Balliol making a bump by the Worcester barge. Worcester failed to catch Wadham, who got home with a quarter of a length in hand. Although there was some exciting racing between Worcester, Trinity, and Oriel, there was no bump, though only a yard or so separated them at the finish.
Brasenose still at Head of RiverThe weather for the racing in the Oxford Summer Eights on Saturday was deplorable, rain falling the whole time. There were two unusual incidents upon which the committee of the O.U.B.C. have not adjudicated. In the Third Division B.N.C. II claimed a bump over Lincoln II before they themselves were caught by St. John's II, while in the Fourth Division Balliol III in catching Jesus II came right across the river in the Gut and blocked the way of the four following crews, who all became jammed. It was impossible to give a decision in regard to the bumps, and the facts will be placed before the committee.
Eleven bumps were allowed. In the First Division Brasenose easily maintained their position at the head of the river. Magdalen made their third bump when they caught Exeter along the Willows, and Balliol displaced Exeter at Sanders Bridge [sic].
There were also two bumps in the Second Division, in which Queen's met with their third success when they caught Merton at the Long Bridges, while St. Edmund Hall overtook New College II at the Free Water Stone.
There were three bumps in the Third Division and four in the Fourth. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
Changes in FormAfter the heavy rain at the week-end which had left the river running high and strong, the Summer Eights were resumed in favourable weather yesterday. There were large crowds at the rowing in all the four Divisions. There was a strong south-westerly wind blowing and this, coupled with the high stream, may have accounted for some of the differences in form that were shown here and there.
The dispute between Lincoln St. John's and Brasenose with regard to a bump in the Gut on Saturday was settled by the Committee ordering a re-row, in which Brasenose [II] settled the question of supremacy by bumping Lincoln [II] in Iffley Reach, and with regard to the mix-up among the lower boats in the Fourth Division the Committee came to the conclusion that justice would be met if they rowed in Saturday's order. The racing for those who were stationed above the Cherwell was most uninteresting, not a close finish being seen.
Brasenose again kept well away from University College, and University College were well away from New College, but those who anticipated no change in the order of the three leading boats will have to reconsider their opinion after the easy manner in which Magdalen accounted for Christ Church. The altered conditions evidently suited them and to-night New College will certainly have to look to their laurels. Oriel also profited in the same way as, after failing to catch Trinity on Saturday, they overhauled them by the time half the course had been rowed, much to the chagrin of Queen's who, after bumping Lincoln, in the Second Division, were looking forward to making the highest possble number of bumps, having already made four.
St. Edmund Hall made another bump, but St. Peter's Hall had their victorious career checked as St. John's II caught Lincoln II, and that was some solace for their disappointment on Saturday. Keble II continued on their run of success but they will probably receive a check to-day when they start behind St. Peter's who seem to be likely to catch Lincoln II before they have gone very far.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Pembroke II, Corpus II, St. Catherine's II, Oriel III, Queen's II, Christ Church III, Hertford II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Jesus II, Brasenose III, Merton II, Pembroke III, Brasenose IV. Pembroke II gained ground on Trinity II over the easy [sic] part of the course, but Trinity were never in any danger of being overtaken and passed the post a length to the good. There was another fine race between Corpus II and St. Catherine's II, who were within a length of Corpus coming out of the Gut. Corpus got away a trifle along the Green Bank, but only half a length divided them at the Boat House and St. Catherine's, spurting hard along the Wall, came up hand over hand and made a bump by the Corpus Barge. Oriel III rowed up a length ahead of Queen's II, who in turn were well away from Christ Church III. Five lengths separated Christ Church from Hertford II. Magdalen III were soon losing ground to Balliol III, who bumped them near the Free Ferry, while the following boats finished wide distances apart.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, University College II, Christ Church II, Worcester II, Oriel II, Brasenose II, Lincoln II, St. John's II, St. Peter's Hall, Exeter II, Keble II, Trinity II, Hertford II retained the headship of the division without much difficulty, as, though Balliol II gained considerably at one point, Hertford finished with a length in hand and about the same distance separated Balliol II from University College II. University College II had to row their hardest to escape Christ Church II, who got within half a length at the Green Bank, but they were unable to sustain the effort and finished a length behind. Worcester II and Oriel II had a fine race. Oriel gained considerably up Iffley Reach. At the end of the Willows Worcester were leading by three-quarters of a length. From there, however, Oriel came up fast and made a bump near the Cherwell. St. John's, with St. Peter's behind, went for all they were worth at the start to catch Lincoln II and, although St. Peter's Hall gained some ground they were well behind when St. John's succeeded in bumping Lincoln at the Weirs Bridge. Keble II continued their upward career and, getting well away at the start, caught Exeter II between the Weirs Bridge and the Ferry.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Lincoln, Queen's, Merton, St. John's, Magdalen II, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Corpus, St. Edmund Hall, New College II, Keble, Wadham II, Hertford. Queen's went off with rare dash, intent on wresting the headship of the Division from Lincoln, and, although Lincoln held their own to the Gut, Queen's rowed hard at the Bridge and made a bump under the Willows. St. John's made the bump they failed to get on Saturday by catching Merton coming through the Gut, but the next three boats finished well apart, although St. Catherine's putting in some rowing work from the Boat House, got within a length of Jesus. Corpus were no match for St. Edmund Hall, who caught them just after passing the Weirs Bridge. New College II fell to Keble just after entering the Gut.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Brasenose, University College, New College, Christ Church, Magdalen, Pembroke, Balliol, Exeter, Wadham, Worcester, Trinity, Oriel, Queen's. Brasenose again held their own without much difficulty, and, although they lost some ground to University College they finished with fully a length and a half in hand. University College were two lengths in front of New College. Christ Church were hard pressed by Magdalen at the end of Iffley Reach, and Magdalen finally made a bump as they were coming out of the Gut. Pembroke gave Balliol a hard race but were bumped just before reaching the Cherwell. Wadham fell to Worcester at the end of Iffley Reach, and Oriel bumped Trinity halfway along the Green Bank.
Lincoln lose Second Division LeadA big crowd watched the Oxford University Summer Eights yesterday, the towing path at times being almost impassable. The race disputed on Saturday — Brasenose II claimed to have bumped Lincoln II before they were themselves bumped by St. John's — was ordered to be re-rowed in the morning, when Brasenose II bumped Lincoln II near the Free Ferry.
Thirteen bumps were recorded in the four divisions. Brasenose remained at the head, finishing a length and a half in front of University. Magdalen bumped Christ Church at the Long Bridges; Pembroke fell to Balliol before reaching the Cherwell; Worcester caught Wadham before entering the Gut, and Trinity succumbed to Oriel under the Willows.
Lincoln lost the headship of the second division to Queen's along the Willows; St. John's overtook Merton in the Gut, and Corpus succumbed to St. Edmund Hall, who bumped them just after passing the Weirs Bridge. Keble caught New College II on entering the Gut. Bumps are shown by brackets in the following table: [...]
Glorious conditions again attended the racing in the Summer Eights at Oxford yesterday, and the fine weather promises to continue to the finish. It was much to the satisfaction of the thousands of visitors, but those more immediately concerned with the racing had by no means a happy time of it, as the river was practically in flood, and there was a tremendous stream running to the accompaniment of a strong southerly wind, a combination that rather handicapped the lighter crews.Brasenose gained an easy victory in the race for the Headship with University College, and they could hardly have been extending themselves on Monday, for they passed the post fully three lengths in front. Magdalen once more demonstrated what a particularly fast, and improving, crew they are, as they were well on to New College in the Gut, and caught them before reaching the Boat House, thus making their fifth successive bump. Balliol had the pace of Christ Church without getting near enough to cause the latter any great anxiety, and Exeter, after pressing Pembroke for three parts of the way, fell away again. Lower down Oriel bumped Wadham, but the latter crew obstructed the river, and Trinity ran into them, thus placing themselves at the mercy of Queen's, who rowed past and naturally claimed the bump.
Two bumps were made in the Second Division, which provided very uninteresting racing. There was, however, a most interesting finish between Hertford and Balliol II for the headship of the Third Division. Hertford at one point looked like getting home with plenty to spare, but, after passing the Boat House, the Balliol cox took full advantage of the slack water under the wall. Hertford in the meantime plugging along in mid-stream. Fortunately for them Balliol were laying so wide that the cox had to use such an amount of rudder in coming across that he never got quite near enough to make a shot, and Hertford escaped disaster by a couple of yards. There was an unfortunate happening in this division at the start, the Oriel coxswain instead of dropping the starting rope, loosed one of his rudder lines and ran into the bank. Worcester II rowed past them and so gained a bump. Worcester, however, hardly realized that they were entitled to a bump and went on for some distance before easing up, and Brasenose ran into them, the latter naturally thinking that they had made a bump. Brasenose lay to under that impression, while St. John's actually rowed through the whole distance to the winning post without realizing that they were entitled to a bump at the expense of Brasenose.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Pembroke II, St. Catherine's II, Corpus II, Oriel III, Queen's II, Christ Church III, Hertford II, Balliol III, Magdalen III, Jesus II, Brasenose III, Merton II, Pembroke III, Brasenose IV. Trinity II maintained their place at the head of the Division without much effort, although at one time they were being pressed by Pembroke II, who were hustled along all the way up Iffley Reach by St. Catherine's. The latter were in dangerous proximity coming through the Gut, but Pembroke were saved further anxiety by the St. Catherine's cox unaccountably running into the bank, and Corpus II, who had been bumped by them on the previous afternoon, were able to regain their position. Queen's II at one time gained appreciably on Oriel III, but failed to maintain the effort, and the latter passed the post a length ahead, with Christ Church III following them a similar distance in the rear. Balliol III overtook Hertford II soon after leaving the Gut. Jesus II gained appreciably on Magdalen III, and finished within a length. The remaining crews followed long distances apart.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, University College II, Christ Church II, Oriel II, Worcester II, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Lincoln II, St. Peter's Hall, Keble II, Exeter II, Trinity II. There was a great finish for the headship, although over the first part of the course Hertford held their own without difficulty and were a length ahead of Balliol II at the Boat House. Thence, taking advantage of the slack water under the Wall, Balliol gained steadily, but their cox had laid a bit too close in, and their final effort just failed, Hertford, who had been keeping in mid-stream, getting home by a couple of yards. University and Christ Church did not change positions, but Oriel experienced a bit of bad luck, their cox losing a rudder line at the start, and they ran into the bank, which enabled Worcester II to row past them. Brasenose II were bumped by St. John's II at the Free Ferry. St. Peter's Hall scored their fifth success by bumping Lincoln II at the Weirs Bridge. Keble II made a big effort to catch St. Peter's, and were within a length when the latter made their bump and then paddled up a length in front of Exeter II.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Queen's, Lincoln, St. John's, Merton, Magdalen II, Jesus, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall, Corpus, Keble, New College II, Wadham II, Hertford. Hertford [sic] and Queen's maintained their position, although Lincoln gained considerably, and were within half a length at the finish. Magdalen II soon drew on to Merton and were right on them at the Gut, but it was not until reaching the Willows that Magdalen finally made their bump. Jesus paddled through, St. Catherine's falling victims to St. Edmund Hall at the Free Water Stone. Corpus came up three lengths ahead of Keble, but there was an exciting race in Iffley Reach between Wadham II and New College II. Wadham were right up at the Weirs Bridge, but shot wide. The escape, however, did not avail New College much, as Wadham made another determined effort and caught them at the Ferry.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Brasenose, University College, New College, Magdalen, Christ Church, Balliol, Pembroke, Exeter, Worcester, Wadham, Oriel, Trinity, Queen's. Brasenose came up in splendid style and passed the post three lengths ahead of University College. New College failed to get through, as, losing steadily to Magdalen from the start, the latter made a hard spurt at the beginning of the Green Bank, and made their bump at the Red Post. Balliol made Christ Church row hard all the way, but the latter got home with half a length to spare, a long way ahead of Pembroke. Exeter made a big effort to overhaul Pembroke and were within a quarter of a length at the Boat House, from which point Pembroke held their own, Exeter falling away somewhat at the finish. Oriel caught Wadham at the Free Water Stone, and, the latter boat failing to get clear, Trinity ran into them. In the meantime Queen's rowed past Trinity, and Queen's claim of a bump will be brought before the Committee.
Further Advance of MagdalenFor the fifth day's racing of the Oxford summer eights the weather was on its best behaviour, and both the river and the towpath were well patronised. In all, there were eleven bumps.
There were only two in the fourth division, Corpus II caught St. Catherine's II through the latter fouling the bank and Balliol III ran into Hertford II. There were three bumps in the third division, Worcester II overtook Oriel II at the start, the latter's cox. fouling his rudder lines, while St. John's II caught Brasenose III at the Ferry. St. Peter's Hall, going up a fifth time, overtook Lincoln II, also at the Ferry.
There were three bumps in the second division, by Magdalen II, St. Edmund Hall, and Wadham II. In the first division Magdalen went farther ahead by bumping New College at the Red Post, Oriel caught Wadham in Iffley Reach, and Queen's rowed past Trinity, who had collided with the two previous boats. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
Brasenose again at HeadThe Summer Eights were finished yesterday at Oxford in delightful weather and attracted huge crowds both on the barges and towing path. Brasenose left off Head of the River for the fourth year in succession and for the 22nd time since the races were instituted. They have fully justified their position and owed their success largely to the coaching of N. W. Haig-Thomas. The University stroke, R. W. G. Holdsworth, occupied No. 4 thwart and the responsibilities of stroke fell on the shoulders of J. de R. Kent, so that it was a case of history repeating itself, as he followed his father, C. W. Kent, who stroked Brasenose when they were Head of the River in 1889 and 1890.
University College rowed over each night, and while they were not troubled by the boats behind them they gave Brasenose little anxiety. They were well away from Magdalen when they rowed up last night. Magdalen, who had been coached by W. A. McCulloch throughout their practice, had the excellent record of five bumps and proved that weight after all is not such an important factor, as they had no man in their crew over 12st.
Queen's also did remarkably well with six bumps to their credit, as they gained another victory in the morning, when they had to re-row their race with Trinity, so that they have now firmly re-established themselves in the First Division. Oriel also worked theur way well up into the First Division and had four bumps to their credit.
St. Edmund Hall improved their position in the Second Division, and, lower down, St. Peter's Hall and Keble II came out well, each having six bumps to their credit. Balliol III had four. Of the First Division crews Wadham came off worst, only rowing through once. Lincoln II lost six places, Hertford II and New College II five.
The names and weights of the Brasenose crews are :— [as below]
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Pembroke II, Corpus II, St. Catherine's II, Oriel III, Queen's II, Christ Church III, Balliol III, Hertford II, Magdalen III, Jesus II, Brasenose III, Merton II, Pembroke III, Brasenose IV. Trinity finished head of the Division without much effort, and kept their starting distance in front of Pembroke all the way. St. Catherine's II, intent on recovering the place they had lost the previous afternoon to Corpus II through running into the bank, were well up with the latter coming out of the Gut. Corpus, however, held them until reaching the Boat House, where one of their men nearly caught a crab, and St. Catherine's bumped them opposite Talboy's Barge. Oriel III, who at one time had gained on St. Catherine's, paddled in. Christ Church III were soon in hot pursuit of Queen's II, and a crab in the latter boat brought about their downfall near Weirs Bridge. Balliol III paddled up, Hertford II falling victims to Magdalen III at the bottom of the Green Bank. There was an exciting race between Brasenose III and Merton II, the latter being within a quarter of a length under the Willows. Brasenose III held their own until passing the Cherwell, where Merton put in a determined spurt, and made their bump at the Old University Barge.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, University College II, Christ Church II, Worcester II, Oriel II, St. John's II, Brasenose II, St. Peter's Hall, Lincoln II, Keble II, Exeter II, Trinity II. There was some interesting racing in this Division. Hertford, the head boat, kept well away from Balliol II until after coming out of the Gut, from which point Balliol made ground rapidly and at the Boat House were within half a length. Hertford got away somewhat, but Balliol made another vigorous spurt after passing the Cherwell. They failed, however, to make this bump, and Hertford passed the post a bare quarter of a length to the good. University College II gained on Balliol II, but fell away towards the finish and came in a length behind and twice that distance ahead of Christ Church II, who in turn led Worceseter II home by three-quarters of a length. St. John's II made a fine effort to catch Oriel II, and, after being half a length down at the Boat House, made up ground so fast along the Wall that only a yard or two divided them at the finish. Brasenose II had a short struggle with St. Peter's Hall, who caught them at the Free Ferry. Keble II made short work of Lincoln II, whom they bumped at Haystack Corner.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity, Lincoln, St. John's, Magdalen II, Merton, Jesus, St. Edmund Hall, St. Catherine's, Corpus, Keble, Wadham II, New College II, Hertford. Lincoln failed to make any impression on Trinity, and the latter finished up head of the Division, their starting distance in front. St. John's made a good effort to catch Lincoln, but the latter got home with half a length to spare. Magdalen II gained a lot on St. John's, but never got near enough to cause the latter any real anxiety. A wide gap separated Magdalen from Merton, who had a terribly hard task in keeping clear of Jesus, who, after being within half a length at the Bridges, overlapped them at the Red Post. Their coxswain, however, failed to drive the advantage home, and Merton, drawing away again, finished a quarter of a length to the good. St. Edmund Hall got within half a length of Jesus, but the other boats came in wide distances apart.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Brasenose, University College, Magdalen, New College, Christ Church, Balliol, Pembroke, Exeter, Worcester, Oriel, Wadham, Queen's, Trinity, Brasenose again came up head of the Division, a couple of lengths in front of University College, who were much the same distance in front of Magdalen. New College followed some way behind, but lost considerable ground to Christ Church, who finished within a quarter of a length. Balliol, too, made Christ Church row hard, and only half a length separated them at the finish. Worcester soon began to gain on Exeter, although Exeter reached the Green Bank before being bumped. Oriel paddled over, and Wadham fell to Queen's at the Free Ferry.
The Summer Eights ended to-night after six nights of the strangest racing that I have ever seen on the Isis.Although the number of crews who competed was far greater than usual the quality was certainly below the standard, for there was an almost complete lack of racing spirit. The strange thing about the majority of the boats was that, whereas all were willing to race hard to avoid defeat, hardly any seemed to possess that touch of dash which is necessary to achieve victory. Among the higher boats there was only one college who showed that they were really out to do something, and that crew was Magdalen.
They exhibited no particular aptitude for getting real pace out of their boat during practice, though it is true that they did very well at Putney last March in the Head of the River race [where they finished =9th]. But when they started on the first day of Eights they showed that they meant business. It was no great feat on their part to bump the disorganised Wadham crew last Thursday, but they did it with no uncertain despatch, and thereafter the crews ahead of them fell like corn to their sickle.
Five bumps were due undoubtedly in the first place to the keenness of their captain, T. F. Whitley, and to the steadiness of their coach, Mr. MacCulloch.
Apart from Magdalen's success, the prospects of Oxford rowing are gloomy enough judged by the standard of the crews. The worst feature of the racing, to my mind, was that practically no bumps were made over the last part of the course, and it is short enough in all conscience.
The Brasenose crew which started and finished Head of the River sat in the following order [as below].
A Disappointing Crew
They were rather a disappointing crew, considering their material, and did not improve during the races so much as I had expected them to do. Their Blues all appeared to be rather stale, and, though perhaps they were never asked to show what they were really worth, I do not think they ever had very much up their sleeves until well after half the course had been rowed.
University never looked at any time like catching them, though they generally gained a little at the start. Christ Church were disappointing. Balliol, in spite of their sucesses, were most uneven racers, and on one occasion at least were very seriously pressed by a crew that they had bumped on the previous night. Oriel, though they made several places, were obviously not so fast as Queen's, and by making a bump when the latter were almost catching them, prevented them making a probable seven bumps.
St. Peter's Hall and Keble II, lower down the river, were also unlucky in being held up by bumps ahead of them, for both were capable of making seven bumps.
Eight Bumps on Last Day
The brilliant sun of the first two days of the week disappeared this afternoon, but the weather held. The fact that only eight bumps were made proves that most of the colleges had found their proper place.
In the First Division the first seven boats rowed over more or less final distance apart, and Magdalen made practically no impression on University. Worcester escaped Oriel by bumping Exeter at the Red Post, but Queen's made their sixth bump by catching Wadham below the Gut.
In the morning the race between Trinity and Queen's, which was held up by bumps ahead yesterday, was re-rowed, and Queen's made their bump at the Free Ferry, so that Trinity started head of the Second Division. With the exception of a very hot race between Jesus and Merton there was no very great excitement, and it was obvious that the Second Division had found their level. Jesus made a great spurt opposite the Willows and made a shot, but, missing, dropped back. After the Boathouse they made another big effort, and many people thought they had got their bump opposite the Worcester barge. After that Merton drew away, and got home comfortably.
In the Third Division there were only two bumps, Keble II and St. Peter's Hall both making their sixth place by bumping Lincoln II and B.N.C. II.
Four bumps were recorded in the Fourth Division, St. Catherine's once more catching Corpus, Queen's II falling to Christ Church III, Hertford II to Magdalen III, whilst Merton II regained the place they lost last week to B.N.C. III.
Sir, — Eights week is now over and again the question forces itself upon the mind of the spectator, what advantage is gained by the multiplication of college boats?
Either rowing material must be lacking or the services of those capable and willing to coach. Granting the inevitable exceptions could anyone describe the general appearance of the contents of the third and fourth divisions as they wallow past the barges as anything but pitiful?
It is difficult to believe that there can be any enjoyment to the individuals participating, and still more any benefit to the standard of Oxford rowing.
M. D. Oxon.
London, May 28
Sir, — We feel that the letter in your issue of to-day, sighted by "M. D. Oxon." calls for some reply.
It may perhaps be stressed in the first place that Eights Week is not staged primarily for the benefit of the spectator. Your correspondent is quite entitled to think that the appearance of the third and fourth divisions wallowing past the barges was pitiful, but he should not infer from this that the multiplication of college boat is of no benefit to Oxford rowing.
In our opinion there is no doubt whatever that the more boats put on the river the better. The standard of University rowing depends largely on the standard of college rowing, and the success of any college boat club depends to a great extent upon its junior crews. The mere fact of a college having a third eight makes its second eight at least two lengths faster. And in every third eight this year there were at least one or two men who next year will row in their college's second eight, and the following year perhaps in a first eight.
In spite of the surmises of your correspondent, the men in these crews did get a lot of enjoyment out of their rowing. There was probably a more healthy spirit of sportsmanship in evidence at the bottom of the fourth division than anywhere else on the river, for these men were free to indulge in care-free athletic competition without being overburdened by any sense of great responsibility. But, apart from all that, this much at least we have learnt from Mr. Fairbairn, that the more crews a college has and the more races they row in the stronger will be that college's boat club. And strong college boat clubs mean a higher standard of 'varsity rowing.
We are, &c.
C. M. Johnston, President, O.U.B.C.
R. Ashburner, Captain, Balliol College B.C.
R. A. J. Poole, Captain, Brasenose College B.C.
Vincent's Club, Oxford, May 29.
Sir, — I was pleased to read the reply of the President of the O.U.B.C. and captains of college boat clubs to "M.D. Oxon's" letter.
The reply was in the right spirit, and the more wallowers that pass the finish, the better the rowing will become. It is practically raising the question that I have been associated with; that is, "pretty pretty" versus honest hard work. To slog yourself out and finish wallowing is the only way to attain true style, and, furthermore, to get true enjoyment.
The race I enjoyed most in my rowing career was when we were beaten in the Goblets by Muttlebury and Barclay in 1887. Our boat was going beautifully, but we were behind. I kept thinking no crew can live at this pace, but they did, and we were rowed to an absolute standstill. We stopped. I looked round at my bowman, "old Hutch," and he was in a glorious state of exhaustion, the saliva hanging out of his mouth and the whites of his eyes all bloodshot. He is 72 years old now, and in the winter mounts a push bicycle with 40lb. of luggage and rides from Durham to Dover, and from Calais all over France; so that race did not do him much harm. So, I say, keep them wallowing, Oxford, and good luck to you.
Yours faithfully,
Steve Fairbairn.
Junior Carlton Club, Pall Mall, S.W.1, May 30
Return to Bumps Index